**Machiko Kyô** (1924-2019) was a Japanese actress, an icon of post-war cinema, celebrated for her intensity and versatility. She left an indelible mark on Japanese and international cinema, working with masters such as Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Yasujirō Ozu.

She is unforgettable in her roles in masterpieces like Kurosawa's *Rashomon* (1950), where she played the ambiguous and fickle wife, and Mizoguchi's *Ugetsu* (1953), as the mysterious Lady Wakasa. Other notable films include *Jigokumon* (Gate of Hell, 1953) and *Ukigusa* (Floating Weeds, 1959).

Kyô was often cast as strong, complex, and sometimes tragic or enigmatic female characters. She could embody the *femme fatale*, the vulnerable woman, or the resolute figure with equal mastery. Her magnetic screen presence and ability to convey deep emotions made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.